Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Contributing Factors via Neuroclinical Addiction Analysis (2024)

A study broke down Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) into specific brain-related categories and identified key factors that can help understand and classify AUD more accurately. Higlights: Cravings & Insensitivity: The study identified two main factors related to alcohol desire – one about craving alcohol and the other about not feeling its effects strongly. Emotions: Three …

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Depression vs. Genetics: EPA-to-DHA Ratio (2024 Study)

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may reduce the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), but causality remains uncertain due to potential pleiotropic mechanisms. Highlights: Genetic Evidence for Omega-3 & Depression: The study used two-sample Mendelian randomization to investigate the causality between genetically predicted omega-3 fatty acid levels and major depression, finding a protective …

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Ketamine Alters Sleep Architecture in Depression: Delta Waves, Alpha Waves, Beta Waves (2024 Study)

A study examined the effects of ketamine on sleep arousal metrics in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) vs. healthy volunteers, finding that ketamine increases certain sleep-related brain activities but does not significantly mediate its antidepressant effects through these sleep changes. Highlights: Individuals with TRD had lower total sleep time and shorter REM latency compared to …

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Case Report: Ozempic (Semaglutide) Worsening Depression in 54-Year-Old Female (2024)

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, used for managing Type 2 diabetes, may be linked to adverse mood changes, necessitating further investigation into their psychiatric effects. Highlights: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: These medications mimic GLP-1 hormone effects, enhancing insulin secretion and reducing appetite, commonly used for Type 2 diabetes management. Mood Effects: Data on the impact of …

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Amphetamine Salts Cause Compulsive Biting & Chewing in 32-Year-Old Female with ADHD (2024 Case Report)

TLDR: A patient developed a compulsive chewing behavior when taking mixed amphetamine salts (MAS) for ADHD, highlighting the need to monitor for unusual side effects with stimulant use. Highlights: Patient Background: The patient is a 32-year-old woman with a history of GERD, gastroparesis, migraines, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, and unspecified bipolar disorder. Medication & …

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How Common Are Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms? Estimated in 31% of Patients (2024 Review)

Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms occur in about one-third of patients stopping antidepressants, with severe symptoms in about 3% of cases – according to a new Lancet Psychiatry review. Highlights: Incidence of Symptoms: Approximately 31% of patients experience at least one discontinuation symptom after stopping antidepressants, compared to 17% for those stopping placebo. Severe Symptoms: Around 3% …

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Lecanemab for Alzheimers Disease: Reduces Amyloid-Beta Plaques But High ARIA Adverse Events (2024 Review)

Lecanemab shows promise in treating Alzheimer’s disease by reducing clinical deterioration and amyloid-beta plaques, but it has significant adverse effects and requires further research for confirmation. Highlights: FDA Approval: The US FDA authorized lecanemab for Alzheimer’s disease treatment in January 2023. Efficacy: Lecanemab significantly reduces clinical deterioration and amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. Adverse Effects: …

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Lower Intracortical Myelination in Depression within Lateral Orbitofrontal Cortex (2024 Study)

A study used a 7-Tesla MRI to discover that major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to lower intracortical myelination, particularly in brain regions associated with negative emotions. Highlights: Advanced MRI: The study used Ultra-High Field MRI at 7.0 Tesla to gain detailed insights into brain microstructures in MDD patients. Brain Regions: Researchers focused on the …

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1-Year Post-COVID Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Fatigue, Cognition, Anxiety, Depression, Headache, Dizziness (2024 Study)

A study found that adults recovering from their first COVID-19 infection more than 1-year ago have higher levels of fatigue and other chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms, influenced by vaccination status and socioeconomic factors. Highlights: Adults who had their first COVID-19 infection over 1-year ago reported significantly higher fatigue levels compared to those who never had COVID-19 …

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Epigenetic Biosignature of First-Episode Schizophrenia Identified via Machine Learning (2024)

A new study uses AutoML and blood DNA methylation data to identify novel gene biomarkers for diagnosing schizophrenia (SCZ) with high accuracy. Highlights: Biomarker Discovery: AutoML identified three schizophrenia-specific gene methylation biomarkers: IGF2BP1, CENPI, and PSME4. Methylation Analysis: IGF2BP1 showed higher methylation and PSME4 showed lower methylation in SCZ patients compared to healthy controls, while …

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